Minnow - Family Cyprinidae, Part II

FATHEAD MINNOW -
Pimephales promelas

Fish Notes

The fathead minnow is a popular bait fish which has led to its large
distribution across the eastern United States. This fish is hardy and is
used by scientists to test the effects of chemicals. The fathead minnow
was found at two percent of Fairfax County sampling sites.

Fairfax County Native: No, probably introduced as a bait bucket
fish

Size: 2.5 inches, rarely above 3 inches

Diet: Insects, algae and detritus

GOLDEN SHINER -
Notemigonus crysoleucas

Fish Notes

The golden shiner is a staple in the bait world, which has resulted in
its large distribution. The name is a reference to the golden color that
appears in some of the species. Golden shiners were found at 14 percent
of Fairfax County sampling sites.

Fairfax County Native: Probably, but widespread use as a bait
minnow has expanded its range considerably.

Size: 7 inches, rarely to 10 inches

Diet: Terrestrial and aquatic insects, plant matter

GOLDFISH -
Carassius auratus

Fish Notes

Goldfish were first introduced to the United States in the late 1600s.
Goldfish are naturally a silvery bronze color and not the bright orange
you see in the pet stores. Goldfish were found at two percent of Fairfax
County sampling sites.

Fairfax County Native: No

Size: 16 inches

Diet: Aquatic insects, plant matter and small fish

LONGNOSE DACE -
Rhinichthys cataractae

Fish Notes

This native minnow is well adapted to living in swift running water. It
has a down sloped nose and a rudimentary gas bladder which allows them to
live easily in the swift current. The longnose dace was found at 47
percent of Fairfax County sampling sites.

Fairfax County Native: Yes

Size: 3 to 4 inches, rarely to 5 inches

Diet: Aquatic insects and other small invertebrates

RIVER CHUB -
Nocomis micropogon

Fish Notes

As its name implies, the river chub is found mainly in medium to large
rivers. In Fairfax County they were found on the main stems of Accotink
Creek, Pohick Creek, Cub Run and Popes Head Creek. During the breeding
season the males develop tubercles to defend their nest. The river chub
was found at nine percent of Fairfax County sampling sites.

Fairfax County Native: Yes

Size: 7 inches, rarely to 9 inches

Diet: Aquatic insects and other small invertebrates

ROSYSIDE DACE -
Clinostomus funduloides

Fish Notes

The rosyside dace is a nest associate which means they breed over other
fish species' nests. This has led to some cases of hybridization with
river chubs, creek chubs and fallfish. The rosyside dace was found at 41
percent of Fairfax County sampling sites.

Fairfax County Native: Yes

Size: 3 to 4 inches

Diet: Aquatic and terrestrial insects and other small
invertebrates

SATINFIN SHINERS -
Cyprinella spp.

Fish Notes

Two species of satinfin shiner are found in Fairfax County; the spotfin
shiner and the satinfin shiner. The satinfin shiners have a reputation as
a good aquarium fish because of their active nature and their acceptance
of dried fish food. The satinfin shiners were found at 37 percent of
Fairfax County sampling sites.

Fairfax County Native: Yes

Size: 3 inches, rarely to 4 inches

Diet: Aquatic and terrestrial insects and other small
invertebrates

SILVERJAW MINNOW -
Notropis buccatus

Fish Notes

The silverjaw has a canal structure below its eye that allows vibrations
created by prey to be detected. The silverjaw minnow was found at one
percent of Fairfax County sampling sites.

Fairfax County Native: Unknown

Size: 2.5 inches, rarely to 3 inches

Diet: Benthic macroinvertebrates

SPOTTAIL SHINER -
Notropis hudsonius

Fish Notes

The spottail shiner is a large shiner that is typically found in medium
to large streams and rivers and can survive in tidal brackish waters.
This shiner was found at 13 percent of Fairfax County sampling sites.

Fairfax County Native: Yes

Size: 3.5 inches, rarely to 5 inches

Diet: Aquatic and terrestrial insects and other small
invertebrates

SWALLOWTAIL
SHINER - Notropis procne

Fish Notes

Like the cyprinella, the swallowtail shiner does well in aquaria and
will readily breed if given the right conditions. The swallowtail shiner
was found at 43 percent of Fairfax County sampling sites.